Benefits of Acupuncture Include An Effective Treatment for Menopause

Wondering about a drug-free treatment for menopause symptoms? There's a small study that finds the benefits of acupuncture include the easing of disruptive menopause symptoms like hot flashes and moodiness.

Menopause is that much-maligned end of a woman's childbearing years that takes place somewhere between 45 and 55, and brings along with it some pretty uncomfortable symptoms, caused by the changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.

This most recent study into acupuncture's effectiveness included just over 50 postmenopausal women, with 27 given traditional Chinese acupuncture two times each week, and the remaining 26 given a sham procedure meant to mimic acupuncture.

Hormone levels were measured at the start and end of the study period. After ten weeks, the subjects getting acupuncture reported significant improvement in two of the most troublesome symptoms - hot flashes and mood swings, compared to those who were given the sham procedure. However, there was no difference in symptoms like vaginal dryness and UTIs, urinary tract infections according to the study.

Over the last 30 years acupuncture has become increasingly popular here in the U.S., but in truth it is one of the oldest forms of healing in the world, working to balance the flow of energy (life force) through meridians (pathways) in your body. By inserting sterile, hair thin needles just under the skin at specific points along the meridians, energy flow can be adjusted and balanced.

According to a 2007 national survey, 3.1 million American adults and 150,000 children had used acupuncture the year before.

Interesting that Western medicine sees the points used in acupuncture as places to stimulate nerves, muscle and connective tissues. It's this stimulation, they say, that improves the activity of your own natural painkillers as well as increasing blood flow. Whatever you believe, many who use acupuncture swear by the process, and the results they get.

Beyond this most recent study, experts are examining the effectiveness of acupuncture for many different conditions. While additional research comes in, acupuncture has already been shown to be beneficial for pain, as well as nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or after surgery.

Acupuncture is notoriously hard to study, and the lack of data makes it difficult for science based Western medicine to accept. In this case, the team didn't monitor how long the relief lasted - a valid question. Still the ancient practice might just be the alternative to drugs that many women are looking for to manage these very real, very disruptive symptoms.

The good news is that unlike medication, acupuncture has few, if any side effects when practiced by a properly trained practitioner. The acupuncture needles are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by licensed practitioners. The needles must be manufactured and labeled according to set standards - they must be sterile, nontoxic and single use.

Everyone experiences this treatment differently, and though you might be squeamish at the idea, the needles are so small and thin there is no pain upon insertion or while they remain there. During and after treatment, the benefits of acupuncture for some include feeling energized, others relaxed. Treatment often takes place over several weeks or months, and you should ask about the estimated number of treatments for menopause before you begin. To find a qualified practitioner, start with your own doctor or nurse, as they can be a fantastic resource for referrals. National acupuncture organizations often provide a list of practitioners in your area that you can investigate.